Competition
Give students the opportunity to research, design and make prototype solutions to real engineering problems.
The annual IET Faraday Challenge is an engineering-based competition for schools where 6 teams of 6 students, aged 12 to 13 years compete against one another.
It is a one-day event to see who can design, create and promote the best solution to a given challenge. All challenges are genuine, real-life engineering problems and are set up and run by our team of STEM professionals. There is a different theme each season. Recent challenges have included developing applications for the BBC micro:bit, designing a new attraction for Thorpe Park Resort and assisting the engineering mission of the James Webb Space Telescope.
We run the challenge days in 68 schools and 12 academic partner universities, further events are available as requested by funders and sponsors each season.
The events draw upon and reinforce learning from STEM lessons. Students will develop skills such as:
The winners from each event receive prizes for themselves and their schools. The top teams win an all-expenses-paid trip to the UK final to compete for a cash prize for their school.
Capacity
Minimum of 6 participants, maximum of 36 participants. IET Faraday Challenge Days give 6 teams of 6 students the opportunity to take part in each challenge day. Host schools can either enter all 6 teams from their own school, or enter 1 team from their own school, and invite 5 teams from local schools to join them.
Dates and Location
Applications open from January to May to apply to take part in a Faraday Challenge Day the following academic year.
Duration
One full school day.
Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects
Learning what the engineering workplace is like
Develop engineering employability skills
Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
Listening - the ability to listen and understand information.
Speaking - the oral transmission of information or ideas.
Problem Solving - the ability to find a solution to a complex situation or challenge.
Creativity - the use of imagination and the generation of new ideas.
Staying Positive - the ability to use tactics to overcome setbacks and achieve goals.
Aiming High - the ability to set clear, tangible goals and devise a robust route to achieving them.
Leadership - supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal.
Teamwork - working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal.
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